Liberation Pop Haarlem
On Monday, May 5, 2025, Haarlem will once again be dedicated to our freedom. Bevrijdingspop Haarlem is the oldest and most famous Liberation Festival of our country. In the Haarlemmerhout several well-known acts will perform that day. The ambassador of freedom this year is Rondé. Also performing are names such as Roxy Dekker, Son Mieux, Rowwen Hèze, Sef, Jonna Fraser and Ploegendienst
Freedom we make together
This year Bevrijdingspop Haarlem is dedicated to the message 'Freedom we make together'. This message is the core of the festival, connecting the organization with the public and reinforcing our commitment to freedom. The freedom theme is reflected at the festival in various ways. For example, the Liberation Fire arrives via a relay from Wageningen and at 5 minutes before 5 o'clock there is a reflection on our freedom. This happens at all 14 National Liberation Festivals simultaneously.
As a Liberation Pop volunteer, you help the foundation make the festival possible. Without volunteers no festival! You can help the organization from April 29 to May 6 with various activities. This can be by standing behind the bar and tapping beers, making sandwiches for the artists, building the stage, setting up tents, or making sure everyone obeys the rules on the day itself. Something for everyone!
Photo by Stef Backx
Without volunteers
No festival
Photo by Bart Manders
Odido Wood Stage (main stage)
Roxy Dekker broke through with her humorous and infectious pop music, which began on TikTok and now draws full houses. Her hit song "Sugardaddy" put her career on the fast track and her debut album will be released in March 2025.
Rowwen Hèze needs no introduction. The Limburg band grew into one of the biggest acts in the Netherlands, with performances at Pinkpop and Lowlands, a support show for The Rolling Stones and an Edison oeuvre award in their pocket.
RONDÉ have been scoring hit after hit since their breakthrough with 'Run' and are known for their energetic live shows. This year they are coming to Haarlem by helicopter as Ambassador of Freedom to turn Liberation Pop on its head.
Son Mieux brings danceable pop with a touch of disco and grand gestures. Their album 'The Mustard Seed' received rave reviews, but live the seven-member band from The Hague really comes into its own. Liberation Pop 2025 promises to be a party!
Photo by Marcus van Dam
Sena performer stage powered by Bud
Min Taka brings an eclectic mix of indie, liquid drum and bass, synth and hyper pop, exploring themes of identity, femininity and connection. Inspired by Charli XCX and Caroline Polachek, she has already performed at Le Guess Who and Popronde.
Kay Slice fuses Africa and the Afrodiaspora in his music. Based in Rotterdam, he brings dynamic flows, poetic lyrics and swinging grooves with influences from Ghana. Hiigo stands for modern Dutch pop with compelling melodies. Their track 'Tankstation' was crowned NPO Radio 2 TopSong and they are now 3FM Serious Talent. Liberation Pop is just the beginning! Charlot is playing a home game in Haarlem. The band around Lotte Mulder brings both dreamy and danceable songs and has already been in the support act of Wende and Froukje. Ploughshares is raw, uncompromising and anti-everything. Hardcore, punk or vicious pop, it doesn't matter - with frontman Ray Fuego it promises to be an unfiltered spectacle. Pip Blom serves up energetic indie rock with influences of grunge, Britpop and rock from the '60s and '70s. Since forming in 2016, the Amsterdam-based band has been unstoppable. Bokoesam & The Fam guarantees an explosive show. With influences from trap, reggae and dancehall and eight solo albums under his belt, he has everything he needs to make Liberation Pop pop. Jonna Fraser is one of the most versatile hip-hop artists in the Netherlands. From rock-hard raps to summer sing-alongs - he switches effortlessly between styles and takes you into his musical world.
Photo by Bart Manders
Freedom Stage
This edition, Liberation Pop is once again betting on the Freedom Stage: a vibrant fusion of the Square of Freedom and the Dreefplein stage. After a successful first edition, this stage returns as the dynamic heart for young people between the ages of 16 and 25. Located on the Flea Field at Entrance B, the Freedom Stage offers a mix of DJs, up-and-coming talent and EDM, guaranteeing a festival experience where connection between young people is key. In addition to the stage, there is extensive fringe programming celebrating freedom. Prepare for a lineup full of energy, dynamism and conviviality.
Photo by Kim Terra
HERO Children's Festival Stage
This year there will again be a special Children's Festival at Bevrijdingspop Haarlem! Have fun in the carousel or at toddler gym of Kras Sport. Visit the Resistance Museum on wheels and the Reading Tent or play old Dutch games. Have your face painted as a lion or princess, be creative with crafts or dance at the silent disco. And, of course, come see performances by your favorite artists on the HERO Children's Festival stage. Enjoy a day full of music, games and fun!
Memorial concert on May 4 with Kennemer Youth Orchestra and Sue the Night
On May 4, the free Memorial Concert will be held on the Liberation Pop grounds, starting at 8:15 pm. The Kennemer Youth Orchestra will play for the first time this year under the direction of new conductor Samuel Tamarit Otero. The theme this year is "love in times of war. There will be two speakers telling poignant stories from World War II around this theme. During the Memorial Concert, the orchestra will perform with Sue the Night. The Haarlem pop sensation is back after a long break!
Frequently Asked Questions
Bevrijdingspop Haarlem will take place May 5, 2025 between 12:00-24:00 p.m.
The event will take place in the Haarlemmerhout.
Accessibility: come walking, by bike or by public transport
Admission to Bevrijdingspop in Haarlem is free.
More information about Liberation Pop can be found at: https://www.bevrijdingspop.nl/bevrijdingspop-haarlem-2024/
